Han Chinese, Hainanese in Thailand

Han Chinese, Hainanese
Photo Source:  Teaelixer - Flickr  Creative Commons 
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People Name: Han Chinese, Hainanese
Country: Thailand
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 8,400
World Population: 6,396,400
Primary Language: Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Christian Adherents: 6.00 %
Evangelicals: 3.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Chinese
Affinity Bloc: East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Chinese Thai of Thailand identify mostly as Thai, and if asked will usually respond that they are Thai. The Chinese Thai are the most integrated Chinese population in any country. They are people of full or partial Chinese ancestry and most of them trace their ancestry to the Guangdong Province. Up to 40% of Thai have some Chinese ancestry due to much intermarrying over the past 200 years.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Chinese Thai are involved in business, politics and finance. The Thai Chinese control 80% of the Thai economy and many Parliament members are of Chinese descent.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their main religion is Theravada Buddhism often syncretized with Chinese folk religion. Many Chinese Thai will have Chinese shrines in their homes and will celebrate Chinese festivals. Often, they will speak a dialect of Chinese in their homes.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hainanese Chinese in Thailand need to allow the Lord to direct their lives so they can enjoy life to the full.

Prayer Points

There are a small percentage of Christians in Thailand. Pray that these believers will live an obedient, vibrant walk with Christ. Pray they will share their faith passionately but humbly with their neighbors, family members and co-workers.

Pray that God will open the eyes of Chinese Thai to the truth of a creator God, of mankind's sin and need for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Pray for Hainanese Chinese Christian believers to disciple others to disciple even more new believers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project